In this bold episode of Kingdom Polemics, Aldo Leon delves into the complex relationship between Christianity and political engagement, focusing on the question of whether Christians should support candidates like Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Aldo argues that while some Christians believe supporting a lesser evil is a pragmatic solution, this approach lacks biblical grounding. He advocates for a Christ-centered view of politics, where the civil magistrate is held accountable to the lordship of Christ and must rule in accordance with God's laws. Aldo challenges listeners to rethink the ways they exercise their political power, calling for a return to covenantal faithfulness rather than compromising with worldly systems.

Key Discussion Points:

• Christ's Lordship over Nations: Aldo emphasizes that Christ is the mediatorial king over all nations, including the United States, and that civil leaders are accountable to His rule.
• Critique of Pragmatic Voting: The episode tackles the idea of voting for the lesser of two evils, arguing that Christians should prioritize godly leadership, even if it seems politically disadvantageous.
• The Role of the Civil Magistrate: Aldo explains that the civil magistrate's primary duty is to uphold both tables of God's law, enforcing righteousness in the public sphere.
• Rejection of Wicked Rulers: Drawing from biblical examples, Aldo argues that Christians are called to reject wicked rulers, even if they are elected by popular consensus, and should not compromise by supporting ungodly candidates.
• Covenantal Faithfulness: A central theme is the need for nations to formally acknowledge Christ's authority, aligning their political systems with the principles of God's kingdom.

Support Kingdom Polemics by visiting our Buy Me A Coffee page (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kingdompolemics) to help continue producing content like this. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics). We value your input and appreciate your support in spreading the message of covenantal faithfulness!

In this episode of Kingdom Polemics, host Aldo Leon offers a spirited response to a recent discussion from The Mortification of Spin podcast, where Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman criticized proponents of the establishment principle and Christian nationalism. Aldo defends the historic Reformed view of the civil magistrate, arguing that Christians who hold to national covenanting and the establishment principle are being unfairly targeted as problematic within their denominations. He challenges the accusations that these positions are novel or dangerous, drawing on historical Reformed theology to show their validity.

Referenced YouTube Video:

"Behaving as Christians in an Election Year" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qNq6LTxYJU) Speakers: Carl Trueman, Todd Pruitt

Key Discussion Points:

• Critique of Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman: Aldo critiques Pruitt and Trueman's portrayal of Christian nationalists and their suggestion that these views should be excluded from ordination in Reformed denominations.
• Historical Reformed Theology: Aldo presents a defense of the establishment principle and national covenanting, arguing that they are deeply rooted in historic Reformed confessions and not a new or fringe development.
• Anger in the Church: Addressing accusations that proponents of Christian nationalism are "angry," Aldo explores the place of righteous anger in confronting wickedness in society and the church.
• Role of the Civil Magistrate: A key theme of the episode is the role of the civil magistrate in enforcing both tables of the law and how this has been misunderstood or downplayed in modern Reformed circles.
• Call for Unity and Healthy Debate: Aldo appeals to his Reformed brothers to engage in healthy debate over these important issues rather than seeking to exclude or vilify those with differing views.

Support Kingdom Polemics by visiting our Buy Me A Coffee page (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kingdompolemics) and help fund more content like this. Join the conversation by leaving your thoughts on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics). Your engagement is invaluable in furthering these important theological discussions!

In this powerful sermon, Aldo Leon explores how the church's music—specifically, the use of Psalms versus man-made hymns—impacts our theology, eschatology, and the way we view Christian masculinity. He emphasizes the need to sing God's inspired songs, as they provide a more robust spiritual foundation, promoting holiness, strong doctrinal convictions, and a biblical view of life. By contrasting the rich, specific nature of the Psalms with the vagueness and theological compromise found in many modern hymns, Aldo challenges the church to reconsider its approach to worship and music.

Key Discussion Points:

• Psalms vs. Hymns: Aldo discusses how replacing Psalms with man-made hymns in worship has weakened the church's theological integrity and spiritual vibrancy.
• Holiness and Judgment: The sermon highlights how Psalms address God's rewarding of righteousness and judgment for sin—key themes often absent in modern hymns.
• Eschatological Optimism: Aldo argues that the Psalms teach a triumphant and optimistic view of Christ's kingdom on earth, in contrast to modern hymns, which tend to emphasize retreat from the world.
• Masculinity and Warfare: The Psalms consistently portray the Christian life as a spiritual battle, promoting a masculine, warrior-like stance against evil—something missing from many modern worship songs.
• The Necessity of Realism: Aldo stresses the importance of the Psalms' raw honesty about suffering, hardship, and the struggle for holiness, which fosters a more grounded and real Christian experience.

Support Kingdom Polemics and join the conversation by visiting our Buy Me A Coffee page (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kingdompolemics). Your contributions help us continue to produce content like this. Don't forget to leave your thoughts on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics). We value your feedback and engagement!

In this episode of Kingdom Polemics, host Aldo Leon and guest Pastor Benjamin Glasser engage in a deep analysis of Kevin DeYoung's recent article on The Gospel Coalition (TGC) regarding the American version of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). They critically examine DeYoung's claim that the 1788 revisions of the WCF on the civil magistrate signify a sharp departure from the original 1646 confession. Through historical references and theological insights, Aldo and Benjamin unpack how this alleged shift impacts the understanding of the relationship between church and state and challenge the notion that these changes represent a rejection of Reformed orthodoxy in political theology.

Articles discussed:

• "'Of the Civil Magistrate': How Presbyterians Shifted on Church-State Relations" (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/civil-magistrate-presbyterians/)
• "The Westminster Tradition vs. DeYoung and the Gospel Coalition, Part I (https://americanreformer.org/2024/08/the-westminster-tradition-vs-deyoung-and-the-gospel-coalition-part-i/)

Key Discussion Points:

• DeYoung's Claim on WCF Revisions: Aldo and Benjamin analyze DeYoung's argument that the American revisions of WCF 23.3 represent an irreconcilable difference with the 1646 version, especially regarding the role of the civil magistrate.
• Role of the Civil Magistrate: The conversation explores the concept of the "nursing father" as used in the WCF and how Reformed theologians like Samuel Rutherford and others historically viewed the civil magistrate's duty in enforcing both tables of the law.
• Historical and Theological Context: The episode delves into historical precedents, such as the Adopting Act of 1729, and how American Presbyterians navigated changes in political context while maintaining Reformed theological commitments.
• TGC's Approach to Church-State Relations: Critique of how The Gospel Coalition tends to separate church and state while simultaneously bringing state ideologies into the church, especially on issues like social justice.
• Modern Implications for Reformed Christians: The hosts discuss the importance of understanding the continuity between the original and revised WCF and how this impacts the church's engagement with civil government today.

Support Kingdom Polemics by visiting our Buy Me A Coffee page (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kingdompolemics) and help fund more content like this. Don't forget to leave your comments and thoughts on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics), where we continue the conversation on these important topics.

In this compelling episode of Kingdom Polemics, host Aldo Leon dives deep into the spiritual significance of hymns and songs in Christian worship by rebroadcasting a sermon he delivered at Pinelands Presbyterian Church. Through a profound exploration of Scripture, Aldo draws attention to the crucial role that God's inspired words play in shaping both personal holiness and communal unity. Using Hezekiah's reform in 2 Chronicles as a foundational text, he explains how the revival of biblical temple worship, with its emphasis on Psalms, mirrors the need for today's church to return to the pure, God-given form of worship, untouched by human innovation.

Key Points:

• Hezekiah's Reform and Worship: Aldo emphasizes how King Hezekiah's revival centered on restoring temple worship by aligning it with God's commands, using the Levites and inspired songs.
• Psalms as a Means of Reformation: The episode unpacks the history of how Psalms have been pivotal in spiritual revivals, from the early church to the Reformation, and how their removal stifles the church's vitality today.
• Unity through Psalms: By singing God's words, Christians across ages, cultures, and denominations can be unified in one voice, while man-made hymns often cause division.
• Holiness and the Severity of Sin: The Psalms do not shy away from the severity of sin and the necessity for holiness. Aldo explains how singing Psalms leads believers to a balanced and biblical view of sin, grace, and God's justice.
• Spiritual Nourishment: Drawing an analogy to processed foods, Aldo compares modern worship songs to spiritual junk food that, while seemingly beneficial, leads to spiritual malnourishment over time.

Support Kingdom Polemics and be a part of the movement to restore biblical worship by visiting our Buy Me A Coffee page (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kingdompolemics). You can also join the conversation and leave your thoughts on our YouTube page (https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics). Every contribution helps further the discussion on faith, worship, and the glory of God.

Aldo Leon joins his close friend and fellow pastor, George Sayour, on a rebroadcast of George's Podcast, The Reformed Churchman, to delve into pressing concerns within the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Aldo candidly discusses the challenges he faces, both personally and within the broader Reformed community, as he navigates controversial theological positions. This episode offers deep insights into Aldo's journey, addressing questions and misunderstandings about his stance on key issues like eschatology, the establishment principle, and the role of psalm singing in worship.

Episode Highlights

• Aldo's Theological Journey: Aldo reflects on how his views have evolved over time, particularly in response to recent events and the feedback he has received from the PCA community.
• Controversial Theological Positions: The episode covers the pushback Aldo has received on several fronts, including his optimistic eschatology, the establishment principle, and his advocacy for exclusive psalmody.

• Christian Nationalism Concerns: The hosts discuss the rising concern about Christian nationalism and how Aldo's views are often misunderstood or misrepresented in this context.

• Radical Two Kingdoms (R2K) Theology: Aldo offers a robust critique of R2K theology, explaining its dangers and its impact on Christian life and the church's mission.

• Impact of Theological Shifts: Aldo shares how major societal events like the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced his theological reassessment and led to significant shifts in his thinking.

• Psalm Singing in Worship: The conversation turns to the importance of psalm singing in worship, with Aldo advocating for its inclusion in every PCA church's worship practice.

References

• Book mentioned by Aldo Leon at 01:20:06: "Honor Thy Fathers: Recovering the Anti-Feminist Theology of the Reformers", by Zachary Garris (https://a.co/d/bUmFcXt)

Enjoyed this episode? Support Kingdom Polemics by buying Aldo a coffee through our Buy Me A Coffee page (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kingdompolemics). Your support helps keep the content coming! Don't forget to join the conversation by leaving your comments on the Kingdom Polemics YouTube page (https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics). Let us know your thoughts, questions, and insights from this episode!

In this insightful episode of Kingdom Polemics, host Aldo Leon provides a rebroadcast of a sermon delivered at Pinelands Presbyterian church. He delves into the rich and often debated practice of exclusive Psalm singing in Christian worship. Aldo guides us through a thought-provoking discussion on why the Psalms hold a unique place in the life of the church, not just as historical hymns but as the inspired words of Christ Himself. Drawing from scripture, early church teachings, and a deep theological perspective, this episode challenges modern hymnody and calls for a return to the timeless and Christo-centric tradition of singing the Psalms.

Episode Highlights:

• Biblical Foundation for Psalm Singing: Explore the scriptural basis for the exclusive use of Psalms in worship, emphasizing their divine inspiration and prophetic nature.
• Christo-centric Nature of the Psalms: Discover how the Psalms are not just about Christ but are His very words, revealing His experiences and ministry.
• Historical Context: Learn about the early church's commitment to Psalm singing, with references to influential figures like Augustine and Athanasius.
• Contrast with Modern Hymns: Understand the theological argument for favoring Psalms over modern hymns, highlighting the former's superiority in conveying biblical truth.
• Call to Action: Aldo urges the church to return to the practice of Psalm singing, aligning with the historical and biblical traditions of Christian worship.

Support Kingdom Polemics by visiting our Buy Me A Coffee page (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kingdompolemics). Your contributions help us continue producing thoughtful and impactful content. Don't forget to leave your comments and join the discussion on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics). We appreciate your feedback and support!

In this revealing episode of Kingdom Polemics, host Aldo Leon is joined by Gavin Beers, a Pastor from the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing), to delve deep into a cornerstone of Reformed Protestant theology—the identification of the Pope as the Antichrist. With Gavin's insights and Aldo's theological rigor, the conversation explores how this belief has been rooted in the teachings of key Reformers like Calvin and Luther and codified in confessional standards such as the Westminster Confession. Whether you are familiar with these doctrines or hearing them for the first time, this episode challenges listeners to critically examine long-standing theological convictions.

Highlights:

• Historical Reformed Perspective: Aldo and Gavin discuss the longstanding tradition within Reformed Protestantism that views the Pope as the Antichrist, tracing this belief back to figures like Calvin and Luther, who articulated this position based on their interpretation of Scripture and the religious climate of their times.

• Biblical Interpretation: The episode breaks down specific biblical passages from Revelation and Thessalonians, explaining how these scriptures have been historically understood to describe the characteristics of the Papacy as fulfilling the role of the Antichrist.

• Confessional Standards: The discussion references the Westminster Confession, particularly Chapter 25, to underscore the theological argument that the Papacy, through its doctrines and practices, directly opposes the offices of Christ and thus fits the description of the Antichrist.

Enjoying the content on Kingdom Polemics? You can support the podcast by visiting our Buy Me A Coffee page (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kingdompolemics). Your support helps us continue bringing you challenging and insightful discussions. Don't forget to leave your thoughts and comments on our YouTube page (https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics).